Sewell on the go and customers harvest supplies to help families in poverty

Hundreds of vulnerable families experiencing hunger and poverty will receive a vital food parcel thanks to the generosity of a leading East Yorkshire forecourt retailer, its customers, and staff. 

Following the generous donations during Hull KR matchdays over the summer, Sewell on the go once again launched its Big Local Harvest campaign for the second year running. 

From Monday September 20th to Sunday 17th October, Sewell on the go teamed up with East Hull and Beannie Street Food banks to encourage customers and staff to buy an extra non-perishable item whilst shopping, placing it in the donation basket at any one of the Sewell on the go’s 13 stores across Hull and the East Riding. 

More than £800 worth of items were donated, which Sewell on the go will match in stock. Alongside this, a financial donation of £1000 from the business is to be used towards running costs towards keeping the food bank vehicles on the road.. 

Following this latest call for donations, the business has now donated over four thousand items worth over £7,000 to local food banks over the last 18 months with the help from its customers and staff. During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Sewell on the go and partners also provided fresh fruit and vegetables to hospital staff, as well as discounts on food and drinks for key workers visiting its stores. 

Robbie Keane, founder of East Hull and Beannie Street Food Banks, which is run by volunteers, said the activity over the summer, this latest campaign and its successful response has continued to help them through a time when emergency food and support is needed more than ever.  

Robbie, who founded the food banks three years ago following his own personal experience with homelessness, desires to give back to the community which supported him, said: 

“The donations from this year’s Big Local Harvest will help so many families – it’s clear, that from year to year, how dedicated Sewell on the go are when supporting their local communities. 

“This generosity of the public never fails to amaze me; it will be life-changing for some families, some of whom haven’t had food for a long time.” 

“I find myself lucky that I don’t need to use food banks, but for those who do it’s vital and so important. These food parcels will make such a difference to the families. 

“On behalf of the thousands of families we’re able to support with your help, we cannot thank you enough” 

Sewell on the go Operations Manager Allison O’Sullivan led the Big Local Harvest campaign this year, coordinating donations and spreading the word among colleagues and customers. 

Allison said; 

“This couldn’t be possible without our loyal and generous customers, and we want to thank everyone who has donated. 

I’d also like to thank the staff on-site, without them, these campaigns simply wouldn’t be as successful as they are. The team work and dedication they show to make the Big Local Harvest a success is outstanding. 

“It’s humbling to see everyone continuing to do their bit to support those in need and look out for everyone within their community. We’re really pleased with the response from the public every year!”  

Hull Kingston Rovers have also continued their support for East Hull and Beannie Street Foodbanks by creating a short film to remind their fans to donate to such a worthy cause. The film featured Jordan Abdull and Korbin Sims, reaching over 7,000 people and being shared 11 times.   

You can watch it below;